Parliamentary Secretaries

What is a Parliamentary Secretary?

Parliamentary Secretaries are government Members who assist the work of Ministers. They are sworn in as members of the Federal Executive Council, but do not have their own portfolio. They are chosen from both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

In the Chamber, Parliamentary Secretaries sit in the row of seats immediately behind the government front bench.

What does a Parliamentary Secretary do?

A Parliamentary Secretary can stand in for a Minister in the Chamber. They can perform all the Minister’s duties on the floor of the House, except for answering questions on portfolio matters.